2011 was banner year for Baltimore port

   A 15 percent increase in cargo by weight helped the Port of Baltimore set a record in 2011 of $51.4 billion worth of goods that moved over the state’s docks, a 24 percent increase in value over the prior year, according to the latest statistics released by the Maryland Port Administration.
   The port’s marine terminals processed 37.8 million tons of cargo last year compared to 32.8 million tons in 2010. The percentage growth was higher than any other port in the nation.
   The figures are based on data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division.
   Baltimore is ranked 11th in the nation in terms of total dollar value of cargo and 12th for cargo tonnage.
   The port’s good fortune is partly due to the diversified nature of the port’s business.
   Baltimore also achieved historical highs for:

•    Exported cargo – 24 million tons.
•    Coal – 19.2 million tons, up 38.5 percent.
•    Autos – 551,000 units.
•    Autos exported – 166,077, up 32 percent.
•    TEUs – 631,806, a 3 percent increase.
•    Containers – 6 million tons.
•    Wood pulp – 520,000 tons.

   The port authority in February released statistics on cargo activity at its public terminals. The new data includes volumes at private terminals within the port.
   General cargo at the public terminals reached 8.8 million tons, up 9 percent from 2010 and just shy of the 9-million-ton record set in 2008. 
   Baltimore wrested the honor of top auto port in the nation from the Port of New York and New Jersey.
   The port also had its second best year in terms of roll-on/roll-off cargo, with a 51 percent increase to 938,675 tons in machinery and farm equipment. Pulp volume grew 1 percent and rolled paper was down 7 percent due to the continued usage of e-readers, the port authority said.
   Bulk cargoes, primarily handled at private terminals, reached 28 million tons, a 17 percent increase from 2010. Coal was the biggest gainer among bulk commodities.
   Private terminals increased their exports 39 percent to 20.4 million tons last year, while imports fell 15 percent to 8.3 million tons.
   The Port of Baltimore is No. 1 for roll-on/roll-off equipment and trucks, imported forest products, sugar, iron ore and gypsum.
   Baltimore ranks second in the United States for exported coal and imported salt and aluminum. — Eric Kulisch